Partners unite to condemn attacks

New Delhi: More that a week has gone by since terrorists held the financial capital of the country under siege. But the visuals, the terror and the pain is still very much fresh in the minds of people across the nation. There is not one religion, class or segment that has been unaffected by the incident.

This year has seen numerous bomb attacks on India, however, 26/11 was different. It was the largest and longest ever pre-planned attack on India. The incident shed light on a lot of issues that were brought to the fore, like how our army is not adequately equipped to handle an alien attack. The incident also brought about many changes in the government. Most crucial to the IT industry would be that of P
Chidambaram's appointment as the new Home Minister, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would take charge of the finance portfolio.

We spoke to a few channel partners from across the country to get their reactions on the siege, and the message they want to share with others in these uncertain times.

Anees Khalfay, Radiant Technology, Mumbai: No one is safe anywhere in India. It is stupid to trust our security agency. Politicians are only bothered about their chairs. They do not have the will power to take on terrorism.
It's also our responsibility to choose the right people to protect us.

Message: We should not be scared of such acts. People from all casts and creed should keep their differences aside and unite to fight terror.

Nityanand Shetty, Essen Vision, Mumbai: The terrorist have physically affected 100s of people, but mentally they have affected each and every citizen of the country. We are living in a constant fear of our own and loved
one's life. At colaba I have seen the confidence of people have shattered. Terror has creeped into our lives.

Message: I can see the anger in people after the terror attach. The anger should be channelized in a positive way.

Devendra Taneja, PC Solutions, New Delhi: Barbaric, ghastly and fanatics at its peak. Big and quick impact can be seen and felt by making political and institutional system more accountable. Failure must lead to exemplary and meaningful punishment rather than cosmetic for political and governmental personalities and institutions as well. Meaningful and speedy reform in judiciary to deliver justice will enhance accountability culture in these places as well. Continuously updating and enhancing information gathering and flow among administrative and security agencies is necessity.

Message: Event should not draw us into finger pointing or politicking, at every level of individual, society, political, institutional level we need to think and act guided by the thought
"what is good for India?"

Saket Kapur, Green Vision, New Delhi: I am scared. I am feeling highly insecure and want to prepare me and my family for such situations. Often during dinner, I tell my son and family how to proceed if faced with such a situation and where to run for cover. We have to be pracitcal at this time. We can only get over it if everyone contributes. For example, Muslim leaders are coming out and condemming the attacks.

Message: Let's not assume that nothing is going to happen to us. We need to prepare ourselves mentally. Need to be as agile as possible.

Durlabh Jain, Devraj Computers, Bengaluru: It is terrible to hear that even after 60 years of independence the government is still not been able to maintain security in the country. Government should take necessary steps to get rid of the terrorist from the country.

Message: It is time we forget about regional disparity and unite to fight terrorism.

Sanath Babu, CEO, Sri Durga Computech, Bengaluru: It was a shocking news. Now the government should start carrying out investigations and provide the security forces with better ammunition. It is high time everybody should unite and fight terrorism.

Message: We should declare war against terrorism.

PN Prasad, Microplus Computers, Puducherry: The terror strike in Mumbai clearly showed the lapse in security in the country, the failure of intelligence bureau and the soft policies towards

terrorism in the ruling government. The future will be more worse if there isn't going to be any strong policies against terrorism in the country.

Message: Mumbaikars have declared that they aren't going to pay tax until they are protected. The same stance should be taken across the country. Only then will the government come to know the importance of people in the country.

Mahesh Kumar Shah, Pecon Infotech, Kolkata: A lot of security enhancements need to be undertaken. Personally, I think, there has to be a change in government policies. No city is safe now. Every morning we pray to God to keep us safe.

Message: Today, they have attacked the commercial capital of India, tomorrow, who knows.

Pravin Jalan, Jalan Infotech, Kolkata: "It is not only Mumbai which has faced the brunt of the terrorists, but the Northeast has also been hit hard. Primarily, I see these terrorists targeting major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad. However, the common goal is to spread terror. Kolkata is a safe-haven for terrorists. Whenever they are chased by the police and intelligence, they always flee to the Northeast from where they escape to Bangladesh. The problem of infiltration and escape to Bangladesh needs to handled carefully.

(Inputs from Avishek Rakshit, Akhilesh Shukla, NR Sethuraman, Lipsha Das and Ruth Samson)